Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands
Scuba diving in the Andaman Islands is the most exciting thing to do there, apart from relaxing and enjoying delicious seafood. The best time for scuba diving in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is from November to April, but you can do it all year round. This activity is available throughout the year. When you go scuba diving, you get to see incredible marine life in the beautiful underwater world, including colorful fish and stunning coral reefs. It’s an amazing experience!
You can book your scuba diving adventure online and receive instant discounts! Plus, you have the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled dive.
Here are some important details to keep in mind:
– Age Restrictions: Scuba diving is available for individuals aged 12 to 50 years.
– Medical Considerations: If you have conditions like asthma, heart issues, high blood pressure, or if you’re pregnant, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before embarking on a scuba diving adventure.
In the Andaman Islands, there are experienced and certified instructors who can guide divers to explore various dive sites. Most of the diving activities take place in North Bay Island, Port Blair, and Havelock Island. Neil Island is also gradually becoming a popular diving spot. Additionally, you have the unique opportunity to dive near Barren Island, which is the only active volcano in India.
For those seeking advanced diving experiences, it’s essential to have an open water certification. Below, you’ll find information about various types of diving experiences available for visitors to the Andaman Islands.
Types of Scuba Diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Shore Diving for Beginners - Ideal for Non-Swimmers
If you’re new to diving and not a strong swimmer, shore diving is a perfect choice. This experience begins right from the shore and is available at North Bay Island and Havelock Island. It’s a budget-friendly option compared to other types of diving.
Shore diving typically takes place at specific spots in Port Blair and Havelock Island. It’s specifically tailored for beginners who are taking their first plunge into the underwater world of Andaman.
Boat Scuba Diving in Andaman - Suitable for Non-Swimmers
Boat scuba diving has become quite popular on both Havelock and Neil Island. This diving experience is primarily offered by a select few experienced diving institutes in these locations. What’s great about it is that even beginners with limited swimming experience or non-swimmers can participate.
Here’s what to expect with boat scuba diving:
Brief Training: Before the dive, you’ll receive a brief training session to familiarize yourself with the equipment and procedures.
Boat Ride: After the training, you’ll hop on a boat that will take you to the dive site.
Dive Entry: At the dive site, you’ll perform a backflip entry into the water. Don’t worry; it’s exciting and safe!
While boat scuba diving may be slightly more expensive than shore diving, it offers excellent value for money, providing you with an unforgettable underwater experience in the Andaman Islands.
Scuba Diving Courses in Andaman - Swimming Skills Required
For those who have already taken the plunge into basic diving and want to explore diving sites worldwide, obtaining a recognized diving certificate is essential. Institutions recognized by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or SSI (Scuba Schools International) offer diving courses that allow you to do just that.
The Andaman Islands are well-known for offering a wide range of diving courses, including advanced options. These courses typically combine theoretical and practical classes, ensuring you gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in diving.
These courses are particularly valuable for individuals looking to pursue a career in diving, as they provide the necessary skills and certifications to become a professional diver. However, it’s important to note that swimming skills are mandatory for these courses, as they involve more advanced underwater activities and techniques.
Open Water Diving or Advanced Courses - For Deep Diving
Once you’ve successfully completed the Open Water Course and obtained your certification, a world of diving opportunities opens up. With this certification, you can explore dive sites that are accessible only to certified divers. It’s your ticket to deep-sea diving, and you’re eligible to dive at various locations in India. Additionally, you can pursue advanced courses from dive institutes, which can lead to a career in scuba diving.
The Andaman Islands are an excellent place to learn and explore diving, and many divers have been certified here and now dive across the globe.
For those seeking more advanced experiences, consider the Advanced Open Water course in the Andamans. This certification allows you to dive freely up to a depth of 30 meters. You can further advance your skills by taking courses like Emergency First Responder and the PADI Rescue Diver course, ultimately leading to becoming a Dive Master. A Dive Master is certified to assist new divers in open water and during shore dives.
Important Note: It’s crucial to keep in mind that scuba diving is not recommended for individuals with high or low blood pressure, pregnant women, heart patients, or those under regular medical supervision. Consulting with your doctor before participating in scuba diving is advisable.
Scuba Dive Sites in the Andaman Islands
Open Water Diving or Advanced Courses – For Deep Diving
Once you’ve successfully completed the Open Water Course and obtained your certification, a world of diving opportunities opens up. With this certification, you can explore dive sites that are accessible only to certified divers. It’s your ticket to deep-sea diving, and you’re eligible to dive at various locations in India. Additionally, you can pursue advanced courses from dive institutes, which can lead to a career in scuba diving.
The Andaman Islands are an excellent place to learn and explore diving, and many divers have been certified here and now dive across the globe.
For those seeking more advanced experiences, consider the Advanced Open Water course in the Andamans. This certification allows you to dive freely up to a depth of 30 meters. You can further advance your skills by taking courses like Emergency First Responder and the PADI Rescue Diver course, ultimately leading to becoming a Dive Master. A Dive Master is certified to assist new divers in open water and during shore dives.
Important Note: It’s crucial to keep in mind that scuba diving is not recommended for individuals with high or low blood pressure, pregnant women, heart patients, or those under regular medical supervision. Consulting with your doctor before participating in scuba diving is advisable.
Scuba Dive Sites in the Andaman Islands
For Beginners & Non-Swimmers:
Scuba diving for beginners and non-swimmers is limited to designated areas in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. These areas have specific dive sites suitable for novice divers.
In Port Blair, beginners can dive at North Bay Island, where the dive site is very close to the beach.
Havelock Island offers the Nemo reef as the primary dive site for beginners. Diving at advanced sites is not allowed for beginners.
Please note that despite the misconception, Elephant Beach in Havelock Island is not a scuba diving site for beginners. It is renowned for other water activities like Sea Walking, Snorkeling, Parasailing, Glassbottom Boat Rides, and Jet Ski Rides. Scuba diving for beginners takes place exclusively at Nemo reef.
Neil Island provides the opportunity to dive near Bharatpur Beach, and this is the only location where boat-based diving is available for beginners at Neil Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) How many days are required to do Scuba Diving in Andaman?
A) If you’re a beginner looking for a fun diving experience, half a day is sufficient to complete your dive. However, it’s essential to book your slot in advance. The diving programs designed for non-swimmers or beginners typically take half a day. For those interested in advanced courses, the duration may range from a minimum of 4 days to up to 30 days to complete the course.
Q) What is Included in Our Diving Program?
A) Your Scuba Diving package usually includes all necessary equipment, training, guidance from an instructor, as well as photos and videos of your dive.
Q) What quality standards are maintained?
A) The Andaman Islands adhere to the professional standards set by PADI and SSI certified schools. Strict protocols are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience, with safety being a top priority.
Q) Who accompanies us underwater?
A) An experienced Dive Master will accompany you underwater to ensure your safety and guide you during your dive.
Q) What if I am coming with Kids, how do I dive?
A) If you are traveling with children, they will need to take turns while diving. During boat diving trips, if there is available space on the boat, a child can stay onboard while the others dive.
Q) What is the minimum age group for Scuba Diving in Andaman?
A) The minimum age for scuba diving in Andaman is 10 years, and the maximum age is 50 years.
Q) What time should I report to the Dive Centre?
A) The usual reporting time at the Dive Centre is between 8 AM and 10 AM.
Q) What is the reporting time for advanced diving courses at Havelock Island?
A) For advanced diving courses, you can arrive in the morning and report to the dive centre. The centre will provide you with a detailed program outlining how the 4-day course will be conducted.